My client is one of the UK's largest waste management/utilities organisations with sites across the country. Following a restructure within their HR team, they are now looking to create a brand new Employee Relations team to provide a best in class ER service to its 14,000+ employees.

There are 2 roles in the Midlands with regular travel across the North, West and East Midlands so you must have a full driving license. You will have a home base with regular travel within your defined business areas.

Your new role

The Employee Relations Team has developed a challenging employee relations strategy which will be supported by a newly created team of Employee Relations Managers and Specialists across the UK who, working with the wider HR team and operational managers, will make a real difference.

You will get exposure to many different aspects of the business as the role is set in a diverse environment offering you the opportunity to be hands-on, working side by side with all of our business areas. For the right candidate this position offers a great challenge and an amazing opportunity to be part of a fantastic journey.

Key responsibilities

To act as a first point of contact for line managers on employee relations (ER) matters, providing specialist advice and solutions in line with current legislation. This will include but not limited to disciplinary, grievances, investigations, restructures and capability. Liaise with the company's legal advisors in relation to more complex cases and support the ER and Policy development manager and external solicitors with the management of employment tribunal claims as required.

Develop the capacity of line managers to manage ER problems locally, developing management styles to foster positive working relationships with employees, minimising the occurrence of line management problems and issues and fostering a positive climate for ER.

To coach and develop managers to be competent and consistent in their execution of HR policies and procedures encouraging problems to be dealt with informally and as soon as possible, rather than allowing situations to escalate.

To proactively manage and support the company in relation to all elements of TUPE and Mergers and Acquisitions. Ensuring all relevant processes are followed and compliance is met.

To foster and support a partnership relationship with the unions at local level. To form part of the negotiations team for local pay negotiations and to identify with unions and contract managers joint initiatives and proactively participate in quarterly ER climate meetings. When applicable work with the contract manager to respond to any trade disputes and set contingency plans to minimise the impact on the service and bring the dispute to a swift conclusion.

What you'll need to succeed

Minimum level 7 CIPD or equivalent qualification. Chartered member of CIPD or working towards this with evidence of continuous professional development.

Previous experience in a HR Generalist or ER role within a unionised and regulated environment.

Proven ER experience including advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues with the ability to apply the relevant legal principles and risk assessment.

Experience of supporting large scale organisational change and restructuring programmes including TUPE, redundancy and contractual variations.

Experience of partnering with trade unions and a good understanding of the trade union framework and collective bargaining.

Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to interact across all levels of management.

My client are offering a salary of c£45,000-£50,000 plus £6.5k car allowance and up to 20% bonus.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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